System and method for powering on electronic devices

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to system and method for powering ON electronic devices. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a movement pattern provided by a user using the electronic device during a switched OFF state of the electronic device, recording a mechanical movement of a spring-loaded pendulum in response to the movement pattern, validating the mechanical movement against one or more pre-stored patterns, and powering ON the electronic device from the switched OFF state based on a validation. The spring-loaded pendulum is housed within the electronic device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly to system and method for powering ON electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices, including, for example, computers, notebookcomputers, laptops, tablet devices, cellular telephones, smart phones,have become ubiquitous in today's world and are used extensively by theusers in their day to day life. The physical power button of such devicemay get damaged over time due to such extensive use, and the user may beno longer able to power ON the device with the use of physical powerbutton, thereby rendering the device useless or otherwise causinginconvenience to the user. Since the entire device is shut down duringpower OFF, it may not be possible to use the device's software to powerON the device. Additionally, the device manufacturers are exploringoptions to make the devices thinner by doing away with any unnecessaryconnectors and switches.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a method for powering ON an electronic device isdisclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving a movementpattern provided by a user using the electronic device during a switchedOFF state of the electronic device. The method further includesrecording a mechanical movement of a spring-loaded pendulum in responseto the movement pattern. The spring-loaded pendulum is housed within theelectronic device. The method further includes validating the mechanicalmovement against one or more pre-stored patterns. The method furtherincludes powering ON the electronic device from the switched OFF statebased on a validation.

In one embodiment, a system for powering ON an electronic device isdisclosed. In one example, the system includes a spring-loaded pendulumhoused within the electronic device. The system further includes atleast one processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the at leastone processor. The memory stores processor-executable instructions,which, on execution, cause the processor to record a mechanical movementof the spring-loaded pendulum in response to a movement pattern providedby a user using the electronic device during a switched OFF state of theelectronic device. The processor-executable instructions, on execution,further cause the processor to validate the mechanical movement againstone or more pre-stored patterns. The processor-executable instructions,on execution, further cause the processor to power ON the electronicdevice from the switched OFF state based on a validation.

In one embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. In one example,the electronic device includes a spring-loaded pendulum and a microphonehoused within a soundproof compartment. The electronic device furtherincludes a set of electrical contacts operable by the spring-loadedpendulum. The electronic device further includes at least one processorand a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. Thememory stores processor-executable instructions, which, on execution,cause the processor to record an acoustic pattern via the microphone andan electrical pulse pattern via the set of electrical contacts. Theacoustic pattern and the electrical pulse pattern are triggered by amechanical movement of the spring-loaded pendulum, and the mechanicalmovement is in response to a movement pattern provided by a user usingthe electronic device during a switched OFF state of the electronicdevice. The processor-executable instructions, on execution, furthercause the processor to validate the movement pattern by comparing theacoustic pattern with one or more predefined acoustic patterns and bycomparing the electrical pulse pattern with one or more predefinedelectrical pulse patterns. The processor-executable instructions, onexecution, further cause the processor to power ON the electronic devicefrom the switched OFF state based on a validation.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, togetherwith the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary electronic devicein accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary system for poweringON the electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for powering ON theelectronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary system for powering ON theelectronic device based on acoustic pattern in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B is a flow diagram of a detailed exemplary processimplemented by the system of FIG. 4 for powering ON an electronic devicebased on acoustic pattern in accordance with some embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of another exemplary system for powering ONthe electronic device based on electric pulse pattern in accordance withsome embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B is a flow diagram of a detailed exemplary processimplemented by the system of FIG. 6 for powering ON an electronic devicebased on electric pulse pattern in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of yet another exemplary system for poweringON the electronic device based on acoustic pattern as well as electricpulse pattern in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B is a flow diagram of a detailed exemplary processimplemented by the system of FIG. 8 for powering ON an electronic devicebased on acoustic pattern as well as electric pulse pattern inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary pre-defined digitized signal patternemployed by the exemplary system for powering ON the electronic devicein accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Whileexamples and features of disclosed principles are described herein,modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possiblewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosedembodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description beconsidered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit beingindicated by the following claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a functional block diagram of an exemplaryelectronic device 100 is illustrated in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure. Variations of electronic device 100 may beused for implementing various embodiments of disclosed systems andmethods for powering ON the electronic device 100. The electronic device100 may include, but is not limited to, a tablet, a notebook, a cellulartelephone, a smart phone, a portable music player, a portable gamingconsole, a fitness tracker, and a smart watch. The electronic device 100includes processors or controllers 101, memory 102, input or output(I/O) devices 103, network interfaces 104, power system 105, and poweractivation system 106.

The processors or controllers 101 may execute various instructions tocarry out various user- or system-generated requests and to carry outvarious functions of the electronic device 100. A user may include aperson using the electronic device 100. The processors or controllers101 may include, but are not limited to, application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field ProgrammableGate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. The memory 102 stores instructions that, whenexecuted by the one or more processors 101, cause the one or moreprocessors 101 to perform various functions of the electronic device100. For example, the memory 102 may store a set of instructionscorresponding to various components and modules of the electronic device100. The processors or controllers 101 may fetch the instructions fromthe memory 102 via a wired or wireless communication path, and executethem to perform various functions of the electronic device 100.

The electronic device 100 interacts with the user via the I/O devices103. For example, the input device 103 may include, but is not limitedto, keyboard, mouse, joystick, touch pad, touch screen, microphone,sensor, stylus, etc. Similarly, the output device may include, but isnot limited to, a printer, a video display, a speaker, etc. Theelectronic device 100 further interacts with external devices over awired or a wireless communication network via the network interface 104.For example, the network interface 104 may include, but is not limitedto, a transceiver, a wired network port, and a wireless network port.The external device may include, without limitation, personal computer,server, and other electronic device.

The power system 105 provides power to various components of theelectronic device 100 through an internal as well as external powersource via a power circuitry. The internal power source may be a fixedor a removal rechargeable battery (e.g., Lithium-ion battery, Nickelmetal hydride battery, etc.). The external source may be a directcurrent source (e.g., portable power bank comprising of rechargeablebattery), or an alternating current source (e.g., power socket).

The power activation system 106 activates the power system 105 based onan input from the user so as to power ON the electronic device 100. Insome embodiments, the power activation system 106 may include a physicalpower button and associated power activation circuitry to power ON theelectronic device 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the poweractivation system 106 may include a mechanical device and associatedpower activation circuitry to power ON the electronic device 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,the power activation system 106 may power ON the electronic device 100from a switched OFF state based on a movement pattern provided by a userusing the electronic device 100 and without the use of physical powerbutton in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the power activation system 106 includes aprocessing unit and a memory unit. The memory unit may include atemporary transient (volatile) memory such as random access memory (RAM)and a permanent (non-volatile) memory such as computer readable medium.As will be described in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 2, thememory unit stores a set of instruction or algorithm which is executedby the processing unit to record a mechanical movement of the mechanicaldevice in response to a movement pattern provided by a user using theelectronic device 100 during a switched OFF state of the electronicdevice 100, to validate the movement pattern against one or morepre-stored patterns, and to power ON the electronic device 100 from theswitched OFF state based on a validation.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of an exemplarypower activation system 200 for powering ON the electronic device isillustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The power activation system 200 is analogous to the poweractivation system 106 implemented by the electronic device 100 ofFIG. 1. The power activation system 200 may include various componentsor modules that perform various functions so as to detect and record amovement pattern provided by the user, validate the movement pattern,and power ON the electronic device based upon a validation. In someembodiments, the power activation system 200 includes mechanical device201, sensors 202, recorders 203, validator 204, memory 205, andultra-low power circuitry 206. It should be noted that the varioushardware or software based components or modules of the power activationsystem 200 may be directly connected to each other or may be indirectlyconnected to each other through one or more intermediate components ormodules.

The mechanical device 201 is adapted to mechanically move in response tothe movement pattern provided by the user using the electronic device.The user may provide the movement pattern by shaking the electronicdevice in a systematic pattern. In some embodiments, the mechanicaldevice 201 includes a first contact and a second contact, and themechanical movement includes a plurality of contacts between the firstcontact and the second contact as a result of a contemporaneous movementpattern provided by the user. Alternatively, in some embodiments, themechanical device 201 includes a spring loaded pendulum and themechanical movement includes a plurality of oscillations of the springloaded pendulum as a result of a contemporaneous movement patternprovided by the user. In some embodiments, the mechanical device 201 maybe housed within an insulated compartment (e.g., air tight compartment,soundproof compartment, dark compartment, etc.) within the electronicdevice.

As will be appreciated, the movement of the mechanical device 201triggers a signal pattern corresponding to the mechanical movement. Forexample, the mechanical movement of the first and the second contact maytrigger a signal pattern corresponding to a number of the plurality ofcontacts, and a time interval between each of the plurality of contacts.Similarly, the mechanical movement of the spring loaded pendulumtriggers a signal pattern corresponding to a number of the plurality ofoscillations, and a time interval between each of the plurality ofoscillations. In some embodiments, the signal pattern may include atleast one of acoustic pattern (produced by the first contact coming incontact with the second contact or spring loaded pendulum coming incontact with a tapping surface), electrical pulse pattern (generated bycompletion of electrical circuit upon first contact or the spring loadedpendulum coming in contact with the second contact or the tappingsurface), and light pattern (generated by a light emitting diode (LED)upon completion of electrical circuit).

The sensors 202 detect and capture the signal pattern generated by themechanical device 201. In some embodiments, the sensors 202 may includeat least one of microphones to detect and capture the acoustic pattern,set of electrical contacts to detect and capture electrical pulsepatterns, and photodiode to detect and capture light pattern. Thus, thesensors 202 detect and capture the signal pattern (e.g., acousticpattern, electric pulse pattern, light pattern, etc.) and converts thesame into electrical pulse pattern. Additionally, the sensor 202 detectsthe movement pattern to switch ON the electronic device from a switchedOFF state, and triggers the recorder 203 to record the mechanicalmovement of the mechanical device 201. The recorders 203 receive thecaptured signal pattern from the sensors 202, processes the capturedsignal pattern, and temporarily stores the same in the memory 205 forsubsequent validation. In some embodiments, the processing of capturedsignal pattern may include at least one of amplification of the signalpattern, digitization (e.g., analog to digital conversion) of the signalpattern, and conditioning of the signal pattern.

The validator 204 validates the movement pattern by comparing therecorded signal pattern against one or more pre-stored patterns storedin the memory 205. The pre-stored patterns include at least one ofpre-defined acoustic patterns, pre-defined electrical pulse pattern, andpre-defined light pattern. As will be appreciated, the pre-storedpattern may be based on type of signal pattern employed and recorded bythe power activation system 200. In some embodiments, the pre-storedpatterns may be stored in the memory 205 during initial configuration orsubsequent re-configuration of the electronic device. In someembodiments, the pre-stored patterns may be configured by the userduring switched ON state of the electronic device. Alternatively, insome embodiments, the pre-stored patterns may be configured by themanufacturer of the electronic device 100. For example, when theelectronic device 100 is unboxed for the first time after purchase, adefault pattern as programmed by the manufacturer and communicated tothe user via a user manual or otherwise may be employed to power ON theelectronic device. Additionally, the validator 204 generates a controlsignal to power ON the electronic device 100 from the switched OFF statebased on a validation. Thus, if the recorded signal pattern matches oneof the pre-stored signal patterns then the validator 204 generates acontrol signal to power ON the electronic device.

The ultra-low power circuitry 206 supplies ultra-low power during idleor non-active state of the power activation system 200 even when theelectronic device is in switched OFF state. Thus, the power activationsystem 200 is kept in a minimal active state until it detects an attemptto power ON the electronic device. Thus, in some embodiments, theultra-low power circuitry 206 supplies power to keep the sensors 202active during the switched OFF state of the electronic device. Forexample, the ultra-low power circuitry 206 supplies microphone biasvoltage to the microphone. Similarly, the ultra-low power circuitry 206supplies power to the electrical contacts. Additionally, in someembodiments, the ultra-low power circuitry 206 supplies power to anormal power trigger circuitry that triggers supply of normal power tothe power activation system 200 upon detection of the signal pattern.For example, the ultra-low power circuitry 206 supplies a referencevoltage and operating power to an ultra-low power comparator whichtriggers a switch upon detection of the signal pattern so as to supplypower to all the other component of the power activation system 200. Insome embodiments, the ultra-low power circuitry 206 may supply power tothe power activation system 200 from the power source (e.g., battery) ofthe electronic device. Alternatively, the ultra-low power circuitry 206may supply power to the power activation system 200 from a separate,dedicated power source (e.g., dedicated battery).

It should be noted that the some of the components (e.g., recorder 203,validator 204, etc.) of the power activation system 200 may beimplemented in programmable hardware devices such as programmable gatearrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, and soforth. Alternatively, these components may be implemented in softwarefor execution by various types of processors. An identified engine ofexecutable code may, for instance, include one or more physical orlogical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, beorganized as an object, procedure, function, module, or other construct.Nevertheless, the executables of an identified engine need not bephysically located together, but may include disparate instructionsstored in different locations which, when joined logically together,include the engine and achieve the stated purpose of the engine. Indeed,an engine of executable code could be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and may even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different applications, and across several memorydevices.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of processesmay be employed for powering ON the electronic device. For example, theexemplary electronic device 100 and the exemplary power activationsystem 200 may facilitate powering ON of the electronic device 100 fromthe switched OFF state by the processes discussed herein. In particular,as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, controllogic and/or automated routines for performing the techniques and stepsdescribed herein may be implemented by the electronic device 100 and theassociated power activation system 200, either by hardware, software, orcombinations of hardware and software. For example, suitable code may beaccessed and executed by the one or more processors on the electronicdevice 100 to perform some or all of the techniques described herein.Similarly, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) configuredto perform some or all of the processes described herein may be includedin the one or more processors on the electronic device 100.

For example, referring now to FIG. 3, exemplary control logic 300 forpowering ON the electronic device via a power activation system, such assystem 200, is depicted via a flowchart in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in the flowchart,the control logic 300 includes the steps of recording a mechanicalmovement of a mechanical device, housed within the electronic device, inresponse to a movement pattern provided by a user using the electronicdevice during a switched OFF state of the electronic device at step 301,validating the movement pattern against one or more pre-stored patternsat step 302, and powering ON the electronic device from the switched OFFstate based on a validation at step 303. In some embodiments, thecontrol logic 300 further includes the step of detecting the movementpattern to switch ON the electronic device from a switched OFF state,and triggering the electronic device to record the mechanical movementupon detection. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mechanical deviceis housed in an insulated compartment within the electronic device.Further, in some embodiments, the movement pattern provided by the userincludes shaking of the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the mechanical device includes a first contact anda second contact, and the mechanical movement includes a plurality ofcontacts between the first contact and the second contact as a result ofa contemporaneous movement pattern provided by the user. In suchembodiments, the mechanical movement triggers a signal patterncorresponding to a number of the plurality of contacts, and a timeinterval between each of the plurality of contacts. Additionally, insome embodiments, the mechanical device includes a spring loadedpendulum, and the mechanical movement includes a plurality ofoscillations of the spring loaded pendulum as a result of acontemporaneous movement pattern provided by the user. In suchembodiments, the mechanical movement triggers a signal patterncorresponding to a number of the plurality of oscillations, and a timeinterval between each of the plurality of oscillations.

In some embodiments, the mechanical movement triggers an acousticpattern, and the one or more pre-stored patterns include one or morepre-defined acoustic patterns. In such embodiments, recording themechanical movement at step 301 includes recording the acoustic patternusing a microphone, and validating the movement pattern at step 302includes comparing the acoustic pattern with the one or more predefinedacoustic patterns. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mechanicalmovement generates an electrical pulse pattern, and the one or morepre-stored patterns include one or more pre-defined electrical pulsepatterns. In such embodiments, recording the mechanical movement at step301 includes recording the electrical pulse pattern using an electricalcontacts, and validating the movement pattern at step 302 includescomparing the electric pulse pattern with the one or more predefinedelectric pulse patterns. Further, in some embodiments, the mechanicalmovement triggers a light pattern, and the one or more pre-storedpatterns include one or more pre-defined light patterns. In suchembodiments, recording the mechanical movement at step 301 includesrecording the light pattern using a LED and a photodiode, and validatingthe movement pattern at step 302 includes comparing the light patternwith the one or more predefined light patterns.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a circuit diagram of an exemplary poweractivation system 400 for powering ON the electronic device based onacoustic pattern is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The power activation system 400 is analogous tothe power activation system 200 described above. The power activationsystem 400 includes a spring loaded pendulum 401 that vibrates inresponse to the movement pattern (shaking of the electronic device)provided by the user. The vibrating spring loaded pendulum 401 hits ortaps on a tapping surface 402 to produce a sound pattern. The soundpattern, upon validation, may be eventually employed to trigger acontrol signal for powering ON the electronic device. The spring loadedpendulum 401 and the tapping surface 402 may be disposed within a soundproof compartment 403 so as to prevent any external sound (noise) fromentering the power activation system 400 as interference.

The power activation system 400 further includes a microphone 404 forcapturing the sound pattern produced by the spring loaded pendulum 401.In some embodiments, the microphone 404 may be a directional microphoneplaced inside the compartment 403 so as to capture only the soundproduced by the pendulum 401. The microphone 404 converts the soundsignal to an electrical signal. An analog amplifier 405 amplifies theelectrical signal received from the microphone 404. Further, an analogto digital convertor (ADC) 406 converts the amplified analog electricalsignal into a digital signal.

An ultra-low power comparator 407 receives the electrical signal fromthe microphone 404, compares the received electrical signal with areference voltage (Vref), and triggers a FET switch (FET switch 1) 408for powering other components of the power activation system 400 basedon the comparison. A reference voltage generator 409 generates thereference voltage (Vref) for the ultra-low power comparator 407. Thus,the FET switch 1 408 turns ON the power for all other components of thepower activation system 400 upon receiving a trigger from the ultra-lowpower comparator 407. The trigger is generated when the microphone biasvoltage exceeds the reference voltage Vref. A resistor networkcomprising of resistor R1 and variable resistor R drives a bias voltagefor the microphone 404, and maintains the same close (but not equal) tothe reference voltage Vref.

A secondary path comprising of diode D1 and resistor R2 provides asecondary voltage to the microphone bias voltage once FET Switch 1 408is ON. As will be appreciated, this lifts and clamps the microphone biasvoltage above the reference voltage Vref, thereby keeping FET Switch 1408 continuously triggered and consequently keeping all the othercomponents powered.

The memory unit 410 stores one or more pre-defined sound patterns in itsnon-volatile memory. Additionally, the memory unit 410 may store therecorded sound pattern received from the ADC 406 in its volatile memory.The processing unit 411 receives the digitized sound signals from theADC 406, and compares the same with the one or more pre-defined soundpattern stored in the memory unit 410. The processing unit 411 furthergenerates a control signal to power ON the electronic device based onthe comparison. Thus, if the recorded sound pattern matches with one ofthe pre-defined sound patterns, then the processing unit 411 generatesthe control signal. However, if the recorded sound pattern does notmatch with one of the pre-defined sound patterns, then the processingunit 411 generates a clear pulse to trigger another FET switch (FETswitch 2) 412 so as to pull off the secondary lifting voltage on themicrophone bias voltage below the reference voltage Vref. This switchesOFF the FET switch 1 408 and shuts down most of the components of poweractivation system 400.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a detailed exemplary control logic 500implemented by the power activation system 400 for powering ON theelectronic device based on acoustic pattern is depicted via a flowchartin accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in the flowchart, at step 501, the user shakes theelectronic device and consequently the spring loaded pendulum vibratesand taps on the tapping surface, thereby producing trigger sound. Atstep 502, the trigger sound is converted to electrical signal by themicrophone and the microphone bias voltage fluctuates. At step 503, thefluctuations on the microphone bias voltage crosses the comparatorreference voltage causing the comparator output to get enabled. At step504, the FET switch 1 gets triggered by the comparator output, therebycausing the battery voltage to pass through and power all the othercomponents of the power activation system 400. In other words, theinitial sound captured by the microphone causes a voltage fluctuation onits bias voltage. As the result, the input voltage at the comparatorcrosses its reference voltage Vref, thereby enabling the comparatoroutput. The comparator output in turn triggers the FET switch 1, therebypassing the battery power to all the other components.

At step 505, the battery voltage also passes through the secondary path(D1 and R2) to the microphone bias voltage upon triggering of the FETswitch 1. At step 506, the voltage passed through the secondary pathlifts and clamps the microphone bias voltage at comparator input to avoltage higher than the comparator reference voltage (Vref). At step507, the clamped microphone bias voltage at comparator input keeps thecomparator output to be continuously high, which in turn keeps the FETswitch 1 to be continuously ON thereafter, thus continuously poweringall the other components.

At step 508, the user further shakes the electronic device and thespring loaded pendulum keeps tapping on the tapping surface, thusproducing the trigger sound pattern. At step 509, the analog amplifieramplifies the analog electrical signals (corresponding to the analogsound signals) received from the microphone, and the ADC converts theamplified analog sound signals in to digital sound signals. The ADC thenprovides the digitalized sound signals to the processing unit.

As will be appreciated, initially only the ultra-low power comparator,the reference voltage generator, and the microphone biasing voltage maybe directly powered from the battery. The microphone biasing voltage maybe set very close (but not equal) to the reference voltage so that anysmall fluctuations caused on the bias voltage by the microphone maytrigger the comparator, which in turn may trigger the FET switch 1. Allthe other components of the power activation system 400 may receivepower from the battery only when the FET switch 1 is triggered by thecomparator, thereby ensuring that the idle (i.e., non-active) statepower consumption from the battery is very low.

At step 510, the processing unit compares the received sound patternwith the predefined sound patterns stored in the memory unit. At step511, the processing unit determines if the received sound patternmatches with one of the pre-defined patterns. If there is a match, atstep 512, the processing unit generates the control signal to power ONthe electronic device and the electronic device gets switched ON. Aswill be appreciated, the control signal acts as an alternative signal tothe power ON signal received from the physical power button for poweringON the electronic device.

However, if there is no match, at step 513, the processing unitgenerates the clear signal to trigger FET switch 2. At step 514, the FETswitch 2 pulls off the voltage that is passed to microphone biasingvoltage through the secondary path, thereby causing the bias voltage togo below the comparator reference voltage. At step 515, once the biasvoltage goes below the reference voltage, the comparator output getsdisabled, which in turn switches off the FET switch 1 causing all theother components to get powered OFF. As will be appreciated, the abovesteps may be repeated on shaking the electronic device again.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a circuit diagram of another exemplary poweractivation system 600 for powering ON the electronic device based onelectric pulse pattern is illustrated in accordance with someembodiments of the present disclosure. The power activation system 600is analogous to the power activation system 200 described above. Thepower activation system 600 includes a spring loaded pendulum 601 thatvibrates in response to the movement pattern (shaking of the electronicdevice) provided by the user. The vibrating spring loaded pendulum 601hits or taps on a tapping surface 602. The spring pendulum 601 and thetapping surface 602 are configured to operate a set of electricalcontacts so as to generate an electrical pulse pattern. The electricalpulse pattern, upon validation, may be eventually employed to trigger acontrol signal for powering ON the electronic device. The spring loadedpendulum 601 and the tapping surface 602 may be disposed within aninsulated compartment 603 so as to prevent any interference.

The power activation system 600 further includes a pulse conditioner 604for conditioning the electrical signal generated by the spring loadedpendulum 601 into conditioned digital signal. The conditioning mayinclude de-bouncing of the electrical signal, level shifting of theelectrical signal, and so forth. An ultra-low power comparator 605 alsoreceives the electrical signal generated by the spring loaded pendulum601, compares the received electrical signal with a reference voltage(Vref), and triggers a FET switch (FET switch 1) 606 for powering othercomponents of the power activation system 600 based on the comparison. Areference voltage generator 607 generates the reference voltage (Vref)for the ultra-low power comparator 605. Thus, the FET switch 1 606 turnsON the power for all other components of the power activation system 600upon receiving a trigger from the ultra-low power comparator 605. Thetrigger is generated when the electrical voltage generated by the springloaded pendulum 601 exceeds the reference voltage Vref. A secondary pathcomprising of diode D1 and resistor R2 provides a secondary voltage tothe comparator 605 once FET Switch 1 606 is ON. As will be appreciated,this lifts and clamps the comparator input voltage above the referencevoltage Vref, thereby keeping FET Switch 1 606 continuously triggeredand consequently keeping all the other components powered.

The memory unit 608 stores one or more pre-defined electrical pulsepatterns in its non-volatile memory. Additionally, the memory unit 608may store the recorded electrical pulse pattern received from the pulseconditioner 604 in its volatile memory. The processing unit 609 receivesthe conditioned and digitized electrical pulses from the pulseconditioner 604, and compares the same with the one or more pre-definedelectrical pulse pattern stored in the memory unit 608. The processingunit 609 further generates a control signal to power ON the electronicdevice based on the comparison. Thus, if the recorded electrical pulsepattern matches with one of the pre-defined electrical pulse patterns,then the processing unit 609 generates the control signal. However, ifthe recorded electrical pulse pattern does not match with one of thepre-defined electrical pulse patterns, then the processing unit 609generates a clear pulse to trigger another FET switch (FET switch 2) 610so as to pull off the secondary lifting voltage on the comparator inputbelow the reference voltage Vref. This switches OFF the FET switch 1 606and shuts down most of the components of power activation system 600.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a detailed exemplary control logic 700implemented by the power activation system 600 for powering ON theelectronic device based on electric pulse pattern is depicted via aflowchart in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.As illustrated in the flowchart, at step 701, the user shakes theelectronic device and consequently the spring loaded pendulum vibratesand taps on the tapping surface, thereby producing trigger electricalpulse. At step 702, the fluctuations on the bias voltage crosses thecomparator reference voltage causing the comparator output to getenabled. At step 703, the FET switch 1 gets triggered by the comparatoroutput, thereby causing the battery voltage to pass through and powerall the other components of the power activation system 600. In otherwords, the initial electrical pulse causes a voltage fluctuation on thebias voltage. As the result, the input voltage at the comparator crossesits reference voltage Vref, thereby enabling the comparator output. Thecomparator output in turn triggers the FET switch 1, thereby passing thebattery power to all the other components.

At step 704, the battery voltage also passes through the secondary path(D1 and R2) to the bias voltage upon triggering of the FET switch 1. Atstep 705, the voltage passed through the secondary path lifts and clampsthe bias voltage at comparator input to a voltage higher than thecomparator reference voltage (Vref). At step 706, the clamped biasvoltage at comparator input keeps the comparator output to becontinuously high, which in turn keeps the FET switch 1 to becontinuously ON thereafter, thus continuously powering all the othercomponents.

At step 707, the user further shakes the electronic device and thespring loaded pendulum keeps tapping on the tapping surface, thusgenerating the trigger electrical pulse pattern. At step 708, the pulseconditioner conditions the electrical pulse signals into digital pulsepattern. The pulse conditioner then provides the digitized electricalpulse pattern to the processing unit.

Again, as will be appreciated, initially only the ultra-low powercomparator, the reference voltage generator, voltage at the electricalcontacts, and the bias voltage may be directly powered from the battery.The biasing voltage may be set very close (but not equal) to thereference voltage so that any small fluctuations caused on the biasvoltage by the electrical contacts may trigger the comparator, which inturn may trigger the FET switch 1. All the other components of the poweractivation system 600 may receive power from the battery only when theFET switch 1 is triggered by the comparator, thereby ensuring that theidle (i.e., non-active) state power consumption from the battery is verylow.

At step 709, the processing unit compares the received electrical pulsepattern with the predefined electrical pulse patterns stored in thememory unit. At step 710, the processing unit determines if the receivedelectrical pulse pattern matches with one of the pre-defined patterns.If there is a match, at step 711, the processing unit generates thecontrol signal to power ON the electronic device and the electronicdevice gets switched ON. However, if there is no match, at step 712, theprocessing unit generates the clear signal to trigger FET switch 2. Atstep 713, the FET switch 2 pulls off the voltage that is passed tobiasing voltage through the secondary path, thereby causing the biasvoltage to go below the comparator reference voltage. At step 714, oncethe bias voltage goes below the reference voltage, the comparator outputgets disabled, which in turn switches off the FET switch 1 causing allthe other components to get powered OFF. As will be appreciated, theabove steps may be repeated on shaking the electronic device again.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a circuit diagram of yet another exemplarypower activation system 800 for powering ON the electronic device basedon acoustic pattern as well as electric pulse pattern is illustrated inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The poweractivation system 800 is analogous to the power activation system 200described above. The power activation system 800 includes a springloaded pendulum 801 that vibrates in response to the movement pattern(shaking of the electronic device) provided by the user. The vibratingspring loaded pendulum 801 hits or taps on a tapping surface 802 toproduce a sound pattern. Additionally, the spring pendulum 801 and thetapping surface 802 are configured to operate a set of electricalcontacts so as to generate an electrical pulse pattern. The soundpattern as well as the electrical pulse pattern, upon validation, may beeventually employed to trigger a control signal for powering ON theelectronic device. The spring loaded pendulum 801 and the tappingsurface 802 may be disposed within an insulated and sound proofcompartment 803 so as to prevent any interference from external sound(noise) or otherwise.

The power activation system 800 further includes a microphone 804 forcapturing the sound pattern produced by the spring loaded pendulum 801.The microphone 804 converts the sound signal to an electrical signal. Ananalog amplifier 805 amplifies the electrical signal received from themicrophone 804. Further, an analog to digital convertor (ADC) 806converts the amplified analog electrical signal into a digital signal.Additionally, the power activation system 800 includes a pulseconditioner 807 for conditioning the electrical signal generated by thespring loaded pendulum 801 into conditioned digital signal.

An ultra-low power comparator 808 receives the electrical signal fromthe microphone 804, compares the received electrical signal with areference voltage (Vref), and triggers a FET switch (FET switch 1) 809for powering other components of the power activation system 800 basedon the comparison. A reference voltage generator 810 generates thereference voltage (Vref) for the ultra-low power comparator 808. Thus,the FET switch 1 809 turns ON the power for all other components of thepower activation system 800 upon receiving a trigger from the ultra-lowpower comparator 808. The trigger is generated when the microphone biasvoltage exceeds the reference voltage Vref. A resistor networkcomprising of resistor R1 and variable resistor R drives a bias voltagefor the microphone 804, and maintains the same close (but not equal) tothe reference voltage Vref. A secondary path comprising of diode D1 andresistor R2 provides a secondary voltage to the microphone bias voltageonce FET Switch 1 809 is ON. As will be appreciated, this lifts andclamps the microphone bias voltage above the reference voltage Vref,thereby keeping FET Switch 1 809 continuously triggered and consequentlykeeping all the other components powered.

The memory unit 811 stores one or more pre-defined sound patterns aswell as one or more pre-defined electrical pulse pattern in itsnon-volatile memory. Additionally, the memory unit 811 may store therecorded sound pattern received from the ADC 806 and the recordedelectrical pulse pattern received from the pulse conditioner 807 in itsvolatile memory. The processing unit 812 receives the digitized soundsignals from the ADC 806 and digitized electrical pulses from the pulseconditioner 807. The processing unit 812 then compares the digitizedsound signals with the one or more pre-defined sound pattern stored inthe memory unit 811. The processing unit 812 also compares digitizedelectrical pulses with the one or more pre-defined electrical pulsepattern stored in the memory unit 811. The processing unit 812 furthergenerates a control signal to power ON the electronic device based onthe comparison. As will be appreciated, the electrical pulse pattern incombination with the sound pattern may be employed for more accuratelypowering ON the electronic device.

Thus, if the recorded sound pattern matches with one of the pre-definedsound patterns and if the recorded electrical pulse pattern matches withone of the pre-defined electrical pulse patterns, then the processingunit 812 generates the control signal. However, if the recorded soundpattern does not match with one of the pre-defined sound patterns, or ifthe recorded electrical pulse pattern does not match with one of thepre-defined electrical pulse patterns, then the processing unit 812generates a clear pulse to trigger another FET switch (FET switch 2) 813so as to pull off the secondary lifting voltage on the microphone biasvoltage below the reference voltage Vref. This switches OFF the FETswitch 1 809 and shuts down most of the components of power activationsystem 800.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a detailed exemplary control logic 900implemented by the power activation system 800 for powering ON theelectronic device based on acoustic pattern as well as electric pulsepattern is depicted via a flowchart in accordance with some embodimentsof the present disclosure. As illustrated in the flowchart, at step 901,the user shakes the electronic device and consequently the spring loadedpendulum vibrates and taps on the tapping surface, thereby producingtrigger sound and trigger pulse. At step 902, the trigger sound isconverted to electrical signal by the microphone and the microphone biasvoltage fluctuates. At step 903, the fluctuations on the microphone biasvoltage crosses the comparator reference voltage causing the comparatoroutput to get enabled. At step 904, the FET switch 1 gets triggered bythe comparator output, thereby causing the battery voltage to passthrough and power all the other components of the power activationsystem 800.

At step 905, the battery voltage also passes through the secondary path(D1 and R2) to the microphone bias voltage upon triggering of the FETswitch 1. At step 906, the voltage passed through the secondary pathlifts and clamps the microphone bias voltage at comparator input to avoltage higher than the comparator reference voltage (Vref). At step907, the clamped microphone bias voltage at comparator input keeps thecomparator output to be continuously high, which in turn keeps the FETswitch 1 to be continuously ON thereafter, thus continuously poweringall the other components.

At step 908, the user further shakes the electronic device and thespring loaded pendulum keeps tapping on the tapping surface, thusgenerating the trigger sound pattern as well as the trigger electricalpulse pattern. At step 909, the analog amplifier amplifies the analogelectrical signals (corresponding to the analog sound signals) receivedfrom the microphone, and the ADC converts the amplified analog soundsignals in to digital sound signals. The ADC then provides the digitizedsound signals to the processing unit. Similarly, the pulse conditionerconditions the electrical pulse signals into digital pulse pattern. Thepulse conditioner then provides the digitalized electrical pulse patternto the processing unit.

At step 910, the processing unit compares the received sound patternwith the pre-defined sound patterns stored in the memory unit.Simultaneously, the processing unit compares the received electricalpulse pattern with the pre-defined electrical pulse patterns stored inthe memory unit. At step 911, the processing unit determines if thereceived sound pattern as well as the received electrical pulse patternmatch with any of the corresponding pre-defined patterns. If there is amatch for both the patterns, at step 912, the processing unit generatesthe control signal to power ON the electronic device and the electronicdevice gets switched ON. However, if there is no match for either ofpatterns, at step 913, the processing unit generates the clear signal totrigger FET switch 2. At step 914, the FET switch 2 pulls off thevoltage that is passed to microphone biasing voltage through thesecondary path, thereby causing the bias voltage to go below thecomparator reference voltage. At step 915, once the bias voltage goesbelow the reference voltage, the comparator output gets disabled, whichin turn switches off the FET switch 1 causing all the other componentsto get powered OFF. As will be appreciated, the above steps may berepeated on shaking the electronic device again.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an exemplary pre-defined digitized signalpattern 1000 employed by the exemplary system for powering ON theelectronic device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. As stated above, the pre-defined signal pattern1000 may include at least one of a sound pattern, an electrical pulsepattern, and a light pattern. For example, as illustrated, in case of asound pattern, a ‘high’ indicates the occurrence of a tapping sound viathe pendulum while the user is moving the device. Similarly, in case ofan electrical pulse pattern, the ‘high’ indicates the occurrence of anelectrical pulse via the pendulum electrical contacts while the user ismoving the device. Similarly, in case of a light pattern, the ‘high’indicates the occurrence of a light pulse (e.g., lighting of an LED) viathe pendulum electrical contacts and a connected LED while the user ismoving the device. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, theoccurrence of the tapping sound, electrical pulse, or light pulse may beindicated by a ‘low’ rather than the ‘high’. Further, as stated above,the pre-defined signal pattern may be structured with differentintervals. For example, as illustrated, the pre-defined signal pattern1000 includes a first trigger 1001 at T0, a second trigger 1002 at T0+1second (i.e., 1 second after the first trigger), a third trigger 1003 atT0+3 seconds (i.e., 2 seconds after the second trigger), a forth trigger1004 at T0+6 seconds (i.e., 3 seconds after the third trigger), and afifth trigger 1005 at T0+10 seconds (i.e., 4 seconds after the fourthtrigger).

As will be also appreciated, at least a portion of the above describedtechniques may take the form of computer or controller implementedprocesses and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The disclosurecan also be embodied in the form of computer program code containinginstructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes,CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium,wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by acomputer or controller, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicingthe invention. The disclosure may also be embodied in the form ofcomputer program code or signal, for example, whether stored in astorage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer or controller,or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electricalwiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagneticradiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into andexecuted by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicingthe invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, thecomputer program code segments configure the microprocessor to createspecific logic circuits.

Further, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, thetechniques described in the various embodiments discussed above providefor a mechanism for powering ON the electronic device from a completelyswitched OFF state without the use of physical power button and/orwithout the use of device's primary software (that is accessible onlyduring a switched ON state of the device). The techniques described inthe embodiments discussed above, provide a dedicated power activationcircuitry comprising of hardware as well as software modules so as topower ON the electronic device from a completely switched OFF statewithout using the physical power button.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, existing techniquesprovide for detection of user input (e.g., touch, voice command,gesture, etc.) and processing of input typically through embeddedsensors (e.g., touch screen, accelerometer, etc.) and associatedsoftware. However, since the electronic device as well as all theassociated circuitries in the electronic device are completely poweredOFF during the switched OFF state of the electronic device, they cannotbe employed to provide for a mechanism to power ON the electronic devicefrom a completely switched OFF state.

Additionally, the techniques described in the various embodimentsdiscussed above provide for an optimized power consumption by the poweractivation system. The power consumption of the power activationcircuitry during a switched OFF state of the electronic device is keptat minimum (i.e. powering only ultra-low power comparator, referencevoltage generator, etc.) during the switched OFF state. The othercomponents of the power activation circuitry are powered only upon thedetection trigger signals.

The specification has described system and method for powering ONelectronic devices. The illustrated steps are set out to explain theexemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoingtechnological development will change the manner in which particularfunctions are performed. These examples are presented herein forpurposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries ofthe functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein forthe convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can bedefined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof areappropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents,extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein)will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on theteachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope andspirit of the disclosed embodiments.

Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilizedin implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Acomputer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memoryon which information or data readable by a processor may be stored.Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions forexecution by one or more processors, including instructions for causingthe processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with theembodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” shouldbe understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves andtransient signals, i.e., be non-transitory. Examples include randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory,nonvolatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, andany other known physical storage media.

It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered asexemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodimentsbeing indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for powering ON an electronic device,the method comprising: receiving a movement pattern provided by a userusing the electronic device during a switched OFF state of theelectronic device; recording a mechanical movement, wherein recordingthe mechanical movement includes recording, via a microphone housedwithin a soundproof compartment with a spring-loaded pendulum, anacoustic pattern triggered by the spring-loaded pendulum in response tothe movement pattern, wherein the spring-loaded pendulum is housedwithin the electronic device; validating the mechanical movement by, atleast, comparing the acoustic pattern with one or more predefinedacoustic patterns; and powering ON the electronic device from theswitched OFF state based on a validation.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the mechanical movement generates an electrical pulse pattern,and wherein the one or more pre-stored patterns correspond to one ormore pre-defined electrical pulse patterns.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein validating the mechanical movement comprises comparing theelectrical pulse pattern with the one or more predefined electricalpulse patterns.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanicalmovement triggers a light pattern, and wherein the one or morepre-stored patterns correspond to one or more pre-defined lightpatterns.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein validating the mechanicalmovement comprises comparing the light pattern with the one or morepredefined light patterns.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein themechanical movement comprises a number of a plurality of oscillations ofthe spring loaded pendulum, and a time interval between each of theplurality of oscillations.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein recordingthe mechanical movement further comprises recording at least one of anelectrical pulse pattern using a set of electrical contacts and a lightpattern using a light emitting diode and a photodiode.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the movement pattern provided by the user comprisesshaking of the electronic device.
 9. A system for powering ON anelectronic device, the system comprising: a spring-loaded pendulum and amicrophone housed within a soundproof compartment of the electronicdevice; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium storinginstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to perform operations comprising: recording amechanical movement of the spring-loaded pendulum in response to amovement pattern provided by a user using the electronic device during aswitched OFF state of the electronic device, wherein recording themechanical movement includes recording, via the microphone, an acousticpattern triggered by the spring-loaded pendulum in response to themovement pattern; validating the mechanical movement by, at least,comparing the acoustic pattern with one or more predefined acousticpatterns; and powering ON the electronic device from the switched OFFstate based on a validation.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein themechanical movement generates an electrical pulse pattern, wherein theone or more pre-stored patterns correspond to one or more pre-definedelectrical pulse patterns, and wherein validating the mechanicalmovement comprises comparing the electrical pulse pattern with the oneor more predefined electrical pulse patterns.
 11. The system of claim 9,wherein the mechanical movement triggers a light pattern, wherein theone or more pre-stored patterns correspond to one or more pre-definedlight patterns, and wherein validating the mechanical movement comprisescomparing the light pattern with the one or more predefined lightpatterns.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the mechanical movementcomprises a number of a plurality of oscillations of the spring loadedpendulum, and a time interval between each of the plurality ofoscillations.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein recording themechanical movement further comprises recording at least one of anelectrical pulse pattern using a set of electrical contacts and a lightpattern using a light emitting diode and a photodiode.
 14. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the movement pattern provided by the user comprisesshaking of the electronic device.
 15. An electronic device, comprising:a spring-loaded pendulum and a microphone housed within a soundproofcompartment; a set of electrical contacts operable by the spring-loadedpendulum; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium storinginstructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causethe at least one processor to perform operations comprising: recordingan acoustic pattern via the microphone and an electrical pulse patternvia the set of electrical contacts, wherein the acoustic pattern and theelectrical pulse pattern are triggered by a mechanical movement of thespring-loaded pendulum, and wherein the mechanical movement is inresponse to a movement pattern provided by a user using the electronicdevice during a switched OFF state of the electronic device; validatingthe movement pattern by comparing the acoustic pattern with one or morepredefined acoustic patterns and by comparing the electrical pulsepattern with one or more predefined electrical pulse patterns; andpowering ON the electronic device from the switched OFF state based on avalidation.